a dark wind had been rising toward me from somewhere deep in my future, across years that were still to come, and as it passed, this wind leveled whatever was offered to me

Symbolism: Meursault depicts death as a "dark wind" that has "leveled whatever was offered to [him]." In other words, the knowledge of death in Meursault's life has eliminated everything life had offered him: dreams, goals, feelings, emotions, etc. This explains why Meursault refused to show any type of feeling at his mother's funeral, why he refused to have a serious relationship with Marie, and why he reacts with indifference to the world. The "dark wind" also depicts the loss of hope and the insignificance of life's offerings as death is certain in one's life. For example, one's reputation won't matter at the end because everyone dies.